I’m a regular reader of a German IT website on which readers can leave comments and it’s one of the most active “forums” we have here in Germany. Everytime they have some news about the music industry (remember Sony/BMG’s rootkit?) there are numerous readers lamenting that they don’t make records like they used to and that they haven’t purchased a CD in months or years. All I can say is that they are simply wrong. They still make great records and last year, 2005, wasn’t short of very good and great records. And from what I’ve heard so far, 2006 will be another good year in music (The Funky Supervillain is a good indicator for example). That is if you’re willing to dig a little deeper and are eager to discover new music on the internet (and I hope this website is a reliable help and source for you to discover new talents). While the major labels have widley given up on discovering and nurturing new talents, those talents have taken their fate into their own hand and release their music on their own. Just like Lyman Medeiros for example.
Lyman was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and Indianapolis, Indiana to parents with Portuguese, Polynesian, and Irish heritage. He picked up his first electric bass at age thirteen and began studying the upright bass at eighteen. A live performance by the Ray Brown Trio in 1994 was the sparkle to ignite Lyman’s love for jazz music. After earning a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music degree he worked with artists like N’Dugu Chancellor, Kenny Rankin, Mike Melvoin, Greg Field, Patti Austin and Steve Tyrell to name a few.
The Funky Supervillain is Lyman’s debut album. And what an inspiring album it is! Like other bass players reviewed here (Rob Thorsen and Harvie S) Lyman acts as band leader giving his fellow musicians (The Lower Level) more than enough room to showcase their talents. All the songs feature a basic trio of bass (Lyman Medeiros), keys (Quinn Johnson) and drums (Lorca Hart, Chris Wabich, Tom Brechlein) with another soloist (trumpet [Lew Soloff], guitar [Steve Cottoer] and vocals [Jessica Vautor]) which results in a worthwhile musical experience. Five of the songs were penned by Lyman and judging by the quality of his own compositions that’s hopefully something he will expand on future releases.
Tasteycakes has a funky groove with some impressive (muted) trumpet play by Lew Soloff. The title track, The Funky Supervillain, is an inspiring instrumental tour de force described by Lyman as “diabolic hybrid of the Joker and Bootsy Collins“.
Another favourite is Big City Dreams, a great tune that reflects the ups and downs of the inner city life. It’s a tune somewhere in the cross section of melancholy and hope.
The band’s treatment of the five cover versions on offer is remarkable as well. The classic soul song Feel Like Making Love is sung by Jessica Vautor with nonchalance and Quinn Johnson on Rhodes gives this tune a deep and soulful touch. Simply a great version of this song.
Jessica also appears on I Only Have Eyes For You. Her vocal delivery on this jazz standard is reminiscent of Gabriela Anders. Quinn Johnson impresses me again on this tune with his piano solo making it another winner on this fine album.
On the relaxed Beatrice (penned by Sam Rivers) and Billy Cobham’s Red Baron we finally get to hear Lyman with lengthy solos (especially on the later).
Lyman is not only an excellent bass player but also a talented band leader who gives his own instrument just enough room to create great music without any over-exposure of his instrument.
All in all this is an awesome debut record and Lyman Medeiros And The Lower Level are a band to watch out for.

Tracklisting of The Funky Supervillain: 1. Tasteycakes/ 2. Feel Like Making Love/ 3. The Funky Supervillain/ 4. Such A Beautiful Girl/ 5. Big Slick/ 6. Beatrice/ 7. I Only Have Eyes For You/ 8. Snoopy’s Search/ 9 Red Baron/ 10. Big City Dreams | released 2005 Groove Summit

For more infos visit lmbass.com, cdbaby.com and Lyman’s blog.

[If you want to discuss Lyman Medeiros’ music, you can leave your comment below and also use the forum]